Hocus [noun]

First negatively, it has not been done by any artificial means or legislative hocus-pocus (applause).

It is hocus-pocus, a sort of social magic formula like the "mutabor" in the Arabian Nights; it is an Aladdins-lamp philosophy.

He complains that Gautier is lacking in a concern about supernatural hocus-pocus and that Flaubert is lacking.

"There's some hocus-pocus about this," whispered Trask, as he and Locke moved forward for a private talk.

But love was beginning its usual hocus-pocus with character and turning a tired business man into a restless swain.

"In respect to this hocus-pocus of yours, sir, with the laudanum and Mr. Franklin Blake," he began.

He shrieked: 'Hic hocus pocus,' parodying the 'Hoc corpus meum' of the Mass.

It would be a purely formal process—like renaming a "hocus-pocus" and calling it two "Abracadabras."

By no trick of managers, no hocus-pocus of politicians, no "mush of concession," can we be released from this obedience.

By some hocus-pocus known to accomplished politicians, this city has had no Mayor since the 4th of June, 1867.